Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“I thought it was twenty,” Lizzy says, pulling me from my thoughts.
“The other twenty was a foolish loss of my own. I’m not holding you to that,” I say and turn to wink.
“Aw, how sweet of you. Twenty grand still isn’t getting you any of this ass.”
I smile and laugh. “Good, you’re priceless. Keep that same energy until the guy proves he’s worth it.”
She snorts. “I don’t interest guys. You don’t have to worry about that.”
I stop in my tracks. “Fuck outa here. You can hold a conversation, you’re funny, pretty, and that body is a gift in itself. I’ll let you in on a secret.”
“What’s that?”
“Most guys are too intimidated by women to approach them. I can count at least ten guys in here who want to talk to you but haven’t built up the nerve,” I reply.
“How could you tell that?” she asks and looks around the rink shyly.
“They’re all looking at me with regret. I stole their girl.”
CHAPTER 56
Contracted
Nyla
Three months later…
“I wish you could meet him, Ny. I think you would like him. He reminds me so much of you. You know, always building up my self-esteem. He brings me a new book every time we hang out,” Lizzy gushes over the phone.
I’m still trying to figure out what the fuck Gio is up to. I think he’s trying to make me kill him. Lizzy has been going on and on about him for months. If it weren’t for the fact that she sounds so much happier, I would have been on his doorstep with my Glock by now.
“So are you guys dating or something?”
“No, no. Yeah, he’s gorgeous but I don’t think he sees me that way. First, he’s older than me and he’s only ever treated me like a little sister. I mean, when we met he asked me to sleep with him, but I think he was joking.”
“What?” I seethe.
“It was nothing. Like I said. He was joking. To be honest. He broke up with someone and I don’t think he’s over her. He gets silent sometimes and has this faraway look. He doesn’t like talking about her.”
“Humph. Be careful, Lizzy. Maybe you should stop hanging with him until I get back. Let me check him out, run a background check.”
“I’m twenty-four, Ny. He’s the only real friend I’ve had in a long time. He gets me, he allows me to be me.”
“Fuck,” I say, away from the phone.
I’m going to bust his shit. Damn puppet master. He’s trying to draw me out. That’s his endgame.
“Ny,” Lizzy whispers. “If you think I shouldn’t hang out with him. I’ll stop. Are you coming home soon?”
“I’m coming back soon. I promise. Don’t stop. Let him be your friend. I’m sorry. I just want to protect you. I love you.”
“I love you too. I miss you.”
“What else is new? Your graduation is coming up. I’m so proud of you.”
“Yeah, this semester has been hard. It’s like I know it’s the end so it’s dragging. I hate writing my papers and will find anything to do instead. I’ve been at the office with Aunt Denise a lot.”
I lift a brow at this. It’s the first I’m hearing about it. I guess that’s better than her going out on contracts. I’ll be calling to check in with Gwen.
“Nyla, honey, I need to talk to you when you’re done,” Ava calls.
“Hey, Lizzy. I need to go. Love you.”
“Okay, I love you too. Later.”
“Later.”
I hang up and go into the living room where Ava is waiting for me. She has a straight face, telling me this is business. I take the seat across from her and fold my hands in my lap.
“I need you to do something for me. A guy in Naples has been running his mouth. I need him silenced before they come out here looking to confirm his words.
“Do you think you can do this for me? You would need to go tonight.”
“Of course, you know I will.”
“Good, I have the address and information here. Go to his hotel suite and deliver what his big mouth has earned him. Make sure you’re understood.”
“Got it.”
She smiles and it reminds me so much of Gio’s smile when he’s holding cards no one else sees. “Thank you, honey. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes, a friend of ours will see to your accommodations for me. Stay the night in Naples. You can return tomorrow. You’ll look like a young tourist. Enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks, Ava.”
“No, thank you and be careful.”
Gio
I thought she’d be back by now. I’ve been in Lizzy’s life for three months and still no Nyla. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been enjoying my time with Lizzy.
She has become a friend or more like a little sister. I grow more fond of her with every meeting. Jace doesn’t speak much around her, but he likes her too.